By Simon Asare
Accra, July 7, GNA – The National Sports Authority (NSA) says works currently underway at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium are part of a planned pitch renovation programme and not evidence of mismanagement, as suggested in a viral social media video.
The authority said concerns raised on social media about the condition of the stadium’s playing surface and the methods being used to maintain it were based on a misunderstanding of routine pitch management works.
In a statement issued on social media by its Ashanti Regional Directorate, the NSA said the pitch had become increasingly affected by invasive weeds and undesirable grass species since it was regrassed about six years ago.
According to the authority, while weed control measures had been carried out periodically over the years, the current break in football activities provided an opportunity to undertake a more comprehensive renovation aimed at restoring a healthy and uniform natural grass surface.
The NSA said the maintenance programme includes the application of approved selective weedicides to remove unwanted vegetation while allowing preferred grass species to thrive. The pitch has also been mowed to recommended maintenance levels to encourage healthy growth and facilitate further renovation work.
In addition, workers are manually removing weeds to root level to reduce competition with desirable grass and prepare the surface for reseeding.
The authority said carefully selected alluvial sand was being applied to low and renovated areas to improve surface levels and drainage, while new grass seed would be planted to restore full grass coverage and improve the durability and quality of the playing surface.
The NSA said the measures were part of its preventive maintenance and pitch renovation programme, describing them as internationally recognised best practices in natural grass pitch management.
It added that carrying out such works during the off-season allows sufficient recovery time before the start of competitive fixtures.
“The National Sports Authority is fully committed to ensuring that the pitch of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is in the best condition to provide a safe, durable and quality playing surfaces for all stakeholders,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare